Food with a side of Yoga in the 'burgh!

Gaucho

*DISCLAIMER*: I do not seek monetary benefits from Gaucho Parrilla Argentina; I’m just a Pittsburgh Foodie, who enjoy sharing her foodie adventures! Photos captured with an iPhone 5s, and edited in Instagram.

Gaucho is FAMOUS, not just in Pittsburgh- nation-wide in the foodie scene! Once the eatPGH ladies christened Gaucho as a “must-eat, must-see” foodie destination, I knew I had to dine there!

FINALLY, my chance arrived in June, when Tasha (of The Food Tasters) and Mike (of Why We Live in Downtown Pittsburgh) met me for dinner, one Friday night, after work.

First of all: you know the restaurant is good when the line is OUT the door! I was really intrigued by the menu, too, which was exhibited on this HUGE chalkboard:

First shot of the chalkboard menu at Gaucho!More Chalkboard Menu from Gaucho!Last chalkboard shot!

I really lined waiting “on line” (as Bourdain would say) to ascend to the cash register, place my order, and then await my food, at a rustic table near the entrance window, for my food. Luckily, I was able to converse with The Food Tasters, while I waited in anticipation.

Dish #1- La Casa Salad, with Grilled Shrimp from Gaucho

WOW! This house salad was SERIOUSLY one of the best salads I’ve EVER had in my entire LIFE! Once of the aspects of Gaucho that’s unique: everything is cooked on a wood-fired grill! I could really taste the AMAZING smoky-ness of the grill, when I was biting into the grilled shrimp. Perfecto!

Dish #2- Veggie Empanada

I must admit, this empanada was no where as good as the ones I’ve had from Bar Marco & La Palapa. Although, I’m not going to sit here, and bash ANY restaurant. Never fear, my friends: we shall move onto the next dish!

The Piece de Resistance: Chorizo BLOOD SAUSAGE

Bourdain has had blood sausage SEVERAL times on his shows: from his buddy Fergus Henderson’s LEGENDARY St. John’s Restaurant in London, to M. Wells in Queens (now in Long Island City). My philosophy as a foodie is always: if Bourdain loves this dish, I should at least taste the dish, and see if I like it. For the most part, this theory hasn’t steered me wrong.

Let me tell you: best. Sausage. EVER! I have NEVER, EVER, in my life had sausage so good! Also: you will not taste the blood! It taste like you’re eating regular sausage, but 100x better! I am so in love with this dish now. I tweeted about this dish, and Bourdain’s buddy of International Mystery, Zamir Gotta, tweeted to me: “welcome to the blood sausage club”! I am honored to be a member. 😉

Close up of my three dishes together!I had to pay homage to my friend John of the YaJagoff! blog, and complete a “foodie drone” shot of my meal!Alberto (PR/Events Manager of Gaucho’s Bodega events space) was kind enough to give me a mini tour of the “Bodega” events space!Second shot of Gaucho’s “Bodega” event space!

Whether you’re looking either for a casual dinner with friends after work, a great weekend date night meal, or if you want to book the Bodega for your rehearsal dinner, corporate meeting or reunion, Gaucho Parrilla Argentina is an AMAZING choice!